5 underrated study destinations for Bangladeshi students

Illustration: TBS

For many Bangladeshi students, US, UK, Canada, and Australia are the names that are most synonymous with studying abroad. But the world is vast, and so are its opportunities.

What if the best opportunities lie off the beaten path — in places you have never considered, where education is just as world-class, but the experience is uniquely yours?

From the historic charm of Budapest to the vibrant streets and tropical allure of Kuala Lumpur, there are countries offering world-class education and opportunities — without the overwhelming competition or sky-high costs.

If you are ready to explore beyond the usual, let us dive into five underrated study destinations that could be the perfect fit for your academic journey and your future career aspirations. Because sometimes, the road less travelled leads to the most extraordinary destinations.

Malaysia: A home away from home

Craving a blend of bustling cities, tropical beaches, without worrying about halal food? Malaysia is there for you. According to the latest QS World University Rankings, five Malaysian universities have made it into the top 200 in the world.

Malaysia's Universiti Malaya and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia offer globally recognised degrees in engineering, IT and business at a fraction of Western costs. With tuition fees as low as $3,000 per year and a vibrant Bangladeshi community, it is a home away from home.

Many overlook Malaysia for bigger names, but its multicultural campuses and strong industry ties (imagine having internships at major companies like Petronas or AirAsia) make it a smart choice.

"As a Bangladeshi student, I found it easy to adapt since there is a large Bangladeshi community here," said Miran Rahman, a Bangladeshi student who is currently an undergraduate student of hospitality and tourism management at UCSI University, Malaysia.

"Since it is in Asia, the cultural aspects are mostly similar to back home, so I did not experience much of a cultural shock, except for the language barrier at times."

He also mentioned that Malaysia's facilities are on par with those in modern European countries, yet come at a far more affordable cost. The combination of a modern lifestyle and rich Asian culture makes it an exceptional place to live.

Hong Kong: Where East meets West

Hong Kong? Isn't that China? The answer is both yes and no. Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China, but it operates under the "one country, two systems" principle.

This means it has its own legal and education systems, currency, and even official languages (Cantonese and English). It is a unique blend of Chinese heritage and international flair, making it a fascinating place to live and study.

"Although they may be similar, Hong Kong's culture is diverse and offers a perspective that is quite different from what you would usually perceive in China, and the people and the opportunities here cumulatively make the experience all the more worthwhile," said Faiyaz Rahman, a recent computer science graduate from The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is home to world-class universities like the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). These institutions consistently rank among the best in Asia, offering programs in business, engineering, and social sciences that are recognised globally. 

Moreover, most courses are taught in English, and an impressive percentage of the student body consists of international students — sometimes exceeding 50% at certain universities.

Faiyaz pointed out that Hong Kong universities do not place much emphasis on students' extracurricular activities in admissions; instead, they focus more on grades. In fact, outstanding grades alone can secure you some generous scholarships.

Hungary: A hidden gem in the heart of Europe

When you think of studying in Europe, countries like the UK, Germany, or France might come to mind. But what if I told you there is a place in the heart of Europe that offers world-class education, a rich cultural heritage, and a surprisingly affordable cost of living?

Welcome to Hungary — a country that is quietly becoming a favourite destination for Bangladeshi students. One of the main reasons for this is the Hungarian government's generous scholarships, which are awarded annually to a select number of Bangladeshi students seeking to pursue their studies there.

Hungary is home to some of Europe's oldest and most prestigious universities, like Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest and the University of Debrecen. These institutions offer a wide range of programs in English, from medicine and engineering to business and the arts. The quality of education is top-notch, with degrees recognised across the EU and beyond.

But here is the best part — Hungary stands out for its affordability. Even if you could not avail the scholarship, tuition fees are significantly lower than in Western Europe, and the cost of living is budget-friendly, according to Aazad Mahbubul, a graduate from Salzburg University of Applied Sciences.

A meal at a local eatery might cost you just a few euros, and public transport is efficient and cheap. For Bangladeshi students, this means you can focus on your studies without constantly worrying about finances.

Another perk? Hungary's central location in Europe makes it a perfect base for travel. With countries like Austria, Slovakia, and Croatia just a short train ride away, you can turn your study breaks into unforgettable adventures.

Aazad emphasised that academic results play a vital role in getting into Hungarian universities, especially the high ranked ones.

For Bangladeshi students looking for a unique combination of quality education, cultural richness, and affordability, Hungary is a hidden gem.

Estonia: Where innovation meets nature

This tiny Baltic nation is quietly becoming one of the coolest study destinations in Europe. Think lush forests, medieval charm, and a tech scene so advanced it's practically sci-fi. Oh, and did I mention free public transport?

Whether you are into coding, business, or just want to study in a country where innovation meets nature, Estonia has something for you.

Known for its tech-driven education system, Estonia has universities like University of Tartu and Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech). It is a hub for IT, cybersecurity, and startups.

This is the country that gave the world Skype, and it has not stopped innovating since. Estonia is often called the most digitally advanced society on the planet. Imagine a place where you can vote, sign documents, and even start a business online in minutes.

As a student, you will experience this first hand — whether it is accessing course materials, managing your schedule, or even using your digital ID for everyday tasks.

According to the Bangladeshi Students Association in Estonia (BSAE), the motivation letter carries a huge role in getting into Estonian universities. You need to possess at least 60% of the total score or CGPA and a moderate IELTS score to be considered as an applicant in Estonian universities, according to BSAE.

Turkey: Affordable education, rich culture

Want to be greeted by cats on your way to university and back? In Turkey, that is just part of everyday life.

Imagine a place where two continents meet, where ancient history blends with modern innovation, and where the call to prayer echoes over bustling bazaars. This is Turkey — a country that is becoming an increasingly popular study destination for Bangladeshi students.

Turkey is home to over 200 universities, many of which offer English-taught programs in fields like engineering, medicine, business, and social sciences.

Institutions like Middle East Technical University (METU) and Bogazici University are renowned for their academic excellence and research opportunities. The best part? Tuition fees are surprisingly affordable, and the cost of living is a fraction of that of many Western countries. In fact it's mostly similar (and sometimes, even less) to what it costs in Bangladesh!

The cherry on top is the generous scholarship the country provides. Turkiye Burslari Scholarship is one of the prestigious scholarships Bangladeshi students can avail.

Sharing his experience in Turkey, Mohammad Salsabil Hasnaine said, "Although at the beginning, there was a bit of a language barrier, especially with Turkish people, as many locals are not very fluent in English. However, their efforts have been evident from the very beginning."

Salsabil is currently studying finance in Sakarya University. He highlighted that the locals are very kind and helpful to the international students. In his experience so far, the hospitality and warmth of the Turkish people made him feel at home.

"They also have some great places to explore during the holidays, and they are much more affordable than people think," he added.